Fairtrade

: contributions towards achieving SGD13 - Climate Action: a comparative content analysis of Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA annual reports

Abstract

Climate change is an increasingly pressing issue. With the growth of globalization, sustainability has become a fundamental priority for organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. Fairtrade (FT) is a movement aimed at protecting workers from exploitation, primarily small-scale producers from the Southern Hemisphere. This movement aims to ensure that workers receive a fair price for their work, thus ensuring sustainable livelihoods and playing a role in mitigating and protecting against climate change. FT, as a movement, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study analyses how FT organizations, Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA, communicate their efforts regarding Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13) - Climate Action. Fair Trade USA reports lack dedicated sections on climate action and the SDGs, while Fairtrade International consistently includes these topics. A comparative analysis reveals that Fairtrade International appears to have a stronger commitment to addressing climate change compared to Fair Trade USA. This research emphasizes the need for FT organizations to improve practices in reporting on climate change. The results suggest implications for policies and practices within the FT movement, highlighting the importance of alignment with climate change mitigation. Suggestions for future research include expanding the sample and considering additional sources of information to improve study conclusions. This study contributes to understanding the efforts of FT organizations in achieving SDG13.

Date of Award	24 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Sandra Lima Coelho (Supervisor)